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ings (aromatic and nonaromatic) . The structure of these complex mixtures was
not elucidated at this time, but could be studied in the future.
RESULTS
Results are presented in Tables 1, 2, and 3. The weight of the compounds
AVSP (before saponification) and APSP (after saponification) are indicated.
The value of the ratio AVSP/APSP is characteristic of the capacity of the
medium to be biodegraded. A value close to 1 shows poor bacterial activity.
As the value increases, better biodegradation is indicated. This fact is due
to the functionalized intermediate compounds made by the bacteria and extract
in basic medium.
The fraction FB is constituted by unsaponif iable compounds. Comparison
of FA and FB is not interesting. Only the comparison of FB values for
different sampling times is relevant. When biodegradation increases (less
linear hydrocarbons) , the FB fraction decreases. At Al and A2 station (in
very polluted zones) , the concentrations of hydrocarbons (linear or
substituted) were about null in 1980, but complex organic compounds of heavy
molecular weight, which are extractable with hexane (since present in the FA
fraction) , remain in the sediment. The molecular structure of these compounds
has not been established (the pet role urn- type asphaltenes are not extracted at
the very beginning by pentane) .
Station C.
CONCLUSIONS
In 1980, in spite of the presence of 0.54 g in the FA fraction, its
chromatogram was no longer characteristic of a petroleum-polluted zone (C17,
C18, C19 predominant). However, light petroleum pollution is indicated at 20
cm below the surface.
Station B_
In 1980, various deposits did not allow correct sampling; therefore, only
1978 and 1979 values were determined. In 1979, there seemed to an indication
of return to normal state, especially at the rhizome level (bottom) .
Station A.
In 1980, half of the hydrocarbons of 1979 remained. This fraction did
not show the presence (by chromatogram) of linear or substituted hydrocarbons;
however, its weight cannot be explained only by the unbiodegradable cyclanes
or aromatics (33 g) .
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